Much to the delight and surprise of fans who had been impatiently speculating, after 7 years since it last aired on Television Disney Channel, the widely popular American teenage fantasy sitcom, ‘Wizards Of Waverly Place’ has announced a sequel. The past several months were full of teasing hints and possible glimpses into a future reprise.
The reboot was hinted at by Kill Them With Kindness singer Selena Gomez in an Instagram post, where she posted a throwback photo with her co-star David Henrie, with the caption, “We’re back,” sending her online fanbase into fits.
Her co-star also shared, “Been waiting to talk about this forever. Let’s have a magical 2024 y’all. The Russo’s are back.” Impatient netizens expressed their joy at the reunion.
The highly nostalgic magical sibling duo Alex (played by Selena Gomez) and Justin Russo (played by David Henrie) are finally making a return to TV in the pilot of the show’s new sequel, “Wizards.”
Table of Contents
‘Wizards Of Waverly Place’: The Old Plot
The Russo family are secretly wizards living in Greenwich Village, New York City. Jerry Russo, a former wizard, gave up his powers to marry Theresa, a mortal. Their three children, Justin, Alex, and Max, inherit their magical abilities and must train in secret while attending regular high school.
The series follows the siblings as they juggle their normal teenage lives with their magical training. They must keep their powers a secret from their friends and classmates, while also learning to control them and avoid breaking the wizarding rules. One of the main challenges they face is a family competition held every three years to determine who will keep their powers permanently.
Justin (played by David Henrie), the eldest child, is the responsible and studious one, determined to win the competition. Alex (played by Selena Gomez), the middle child, is more mischievous and impulsive, often getting into trouble with her magic. Max (played by Jake T. Austin), the youngest, is playful and curious, but still developing his powers.
The heartwarming side cast includes Camp Rock actor Maria Canals-Barrera as Theresa Russo, the loving mortal mother, unaware of her children’s secret life but always supportive, and David DeLuise as Jerry Russo, the former wizard father, struggling to keep his family’s magic under wraps while teaching them valuable lessons.
The teen sitcom show aired for four seasons between October 2007 and January 2017 on Disney Channel, capturing many hearts.
New Plot: Changes to the Script And Cast
The sequel, currently untitled, takes us beyond the familiar halls of WizTech. Justin, years after his family’s wizarding competition, has embraced a human life, complete with his wife Giada (Gianopulos) and two sons. Living magic-free, he’s traded spells for soccer games and homework battles.
That is until Billie enters the picture. This mysterious prodigy seeks Justin’s guidance, throwing him back into the mystical realm he thought he’d escaped. The adult Justin exercises his magical powers again to save the future of the Wizard World.
Fans felt slightly betrayed and heartbroken to learn that Selena Gomez will only be a guest star on the ‘Wizards’s pilot episode. To their luck, CampRock actor David Henrie will take the lead as he reprises his character of Justin Russo. The cast will also include new arrivals to Waverly Place, like Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele and Mimi Gianopulos.
Mimi Ginapulos will play the role of Justin Russo’s wife, Giada. Janice LeAnn Brown will be playing the young wizard, Billie. Roman Russo will portray Russo’s older son.
Producers and Creators: Then and Now
The original sitcom had been created by created by Todd J. Greenwald.
Selena Gomez and David Henrie, who played Alex and Justin in the original show which debuted in 2007, will be executive producers of the current pilot, speculated to be released in 2024. Gomez is set to appear in the pilot as a guest star and Henrie will appear as Justin regularly. Andy Fickman will be directing the Disney revival show and working as an executive producer.
Previous Ventures; Excited Fans!
With the exception of David Henrie, the entire cast had all reunited for the TV special titled “The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex” in 2013.
It took years of dropping painful hints and brainstorming which led Disney executives to finalise this momentous decision of a Wizards Of Waverly Place revival or reboot. This move aligns with Disney Branded Television’s strategy to strengthen Disney Channel’s lineup with more multi-camera sitcoms. It comes as a wonderful delight for fans of the nostalgic Disney Channel sitcom, as they get to revisit old memories, now all grown up!
FAQs
1. Will there be a possible sequel?
Ans. Yes, indeed! Your months of patience, despite the teasing hints, have finally come to fruition! Selena Gomez and David Henrie are returning for the “Wizards of Waverly Place” reboot. Fans are rejoicing at the return of the nostalgic magical sibling duo Alex and Justin Russo.
2. Will I get to finally see Selena Gomez starring in it again?
Ans. The “Only Murders in the Building” actress and singer will reprise her role as Alex Russo on the upcoming reboot, but only as a guest appearance on the pilot.
3. Is Jake T Austin also going to be in the reboot?
Ans. To the delight of excited fans, Jake T. Austin will be returning to the show reprising his original role of the lead, Justin Russo.
Hope these FAQs proved to be useful to you!
Pingback: Disney+ series She-Hulk Faces Budget issues leading to a Halt : No Season 2 - Newzertainment